Selling stuff online is a simple way to unload your stuff, but no matter how often you're selling items it's easy to forget the important details that help ensure a quick sale. Worse, if you don't pay close attention to what you're writing in the description you might include a few words and phrases that make the listing look like a scam. We've put together a simple checklist to help you avoid those pitfalls and remember the details that count.

The checklist is simple, just download the PDF file below and keep it on hand when you're selling items. Run through it when you're creating your listings on Craigslist, eBay, or anywhere else to help guarantee you don't leave out important information. Finally, hit up the last section to double-check your listing for anything you might be doing accidentally that makes it look like a scam. Stick to it and you should be selling your items off in no time.

What to Include in Your Headline

The headline is the most important part, but you don't need to overdo it. The best practice is to include the relevant details of what you're selling so people can quickly search for it. In most cases, this just includes the items name, year, make, model, and the price you're asking.

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Item name

Price (if not listing on eBay)

Year, Make, and Model

What to Include in Your Description

Keep your description short and to the point. A lot of details are good, but nobody needs to know your personal history with what you're selling. Just state the facts, including the same details you mentioned in the headline, and add in relevant information about the item's condition, problems (or repair history), and any acute details. Finally, don't forget to include a few high resolution photos. Don't use stock photos unless you have no choice, but always include a picture of what you're selling.

Year (if applicable)

Make

Model

Color

Size, Weight, or Measurements

Item Condition

Additional Accessories

Problems or Issues

Photos (non-stock)

Payment Methods, Shipping Information, and Everything Else

Whether it's eBay or Craiglist, it's not a bad idea to include the payment types accepted. Also include an accurate shipping cost and the estimated time you'll ship by (or won't). It's also a good idea to include a terms of sale noting if you will or won't accept returns.

Payment Methods Accepted

Shipping Cost and Estimated Time

Terms of Sale

Avoid Sounding Like a Scammer

Scams are all over the place when you're selling stuff online and it's easy to make a listing that looks like one. The most important detail to watch out for is spelling. A few typos here and there aren't a big deal, but you want to clean it up as much as possible. Double-check your shipping costs to make sure they're not way too low (or high), make sure your categories and tags are correct, and avoid using irrelevant buzzwords (like saying iPad in an iPhone listing for no reason). Also, don't include your personal email anywhere because you should be keeping the sale in the online sellers ecosystem. Finally, check for an overuse of adjectives and exclamation points because they're two things scammers love to overuse. You don't really need to sell any item as gigantic, delightful, adorable, greasy, or mushy.

Check Spelling

Turn Off Caps Lock

Double check your shipping costs

Check your categories or tags

Avoid using irrelevant buzzwords

Don't include a private email

Check and remove adjectives and exclamation points

That's it. Here's a PDF version of the checklist so you never forget to include that important info when you're listing all your junk online.